That Thing You Do!

YOU GUYS.  Remember how fantastically delightful That Thing You Do! was?  Rememmmmmmber?  I'm now wondering why I don't own this movie because it will forever be the Ultimate Always Pick-Me-Up.

The Oneders!  I still laugh thinking about how no one could pronounce that name correctly and how exasperated Steve Zahn's character was over it.  Hence, The Wonders.  "As in, I wonder what happened to the O’Needers?" 

Whatever happened to Tom Everett Scott?  Because he was a Dreamy McDreamboat.  Come on, that speech he gives to Liv Tyler?!  The one where he tells her she's beautiful and amazing and doesn't have to take Jimmy's shit (okay, maybe I don't really remember the specifics that well, but you know what I'm talkin bout).  Melt my heart forever. 

And, I don't know how I missed this all these years, but Tom Hanks WROTE IT!  Uhhh, what?!  I knew that he directed it, but somehow missed that very useful piece of trivial knowledge. 

My love for Tom Hanks knows no bounds.  There, I said it.    

Do you guys feel as strongly about TTYD as I do?  What other movies hold such a strong place in your heart?  I'm always looking for good movies to watch.

Murder for Two - A Killer Musical.

I'm just popping in to say that if you live in or near Chicago you MUST. SEE. THIS. SHOW!  It's endlessly entertaining and my cheeks were literally in pain because I was laughing and smiling so much throughout the entire thing. 

Joe Kinosian (also the co-creator and all-around fabulous guy) and Alan Schmuckler are out of this world in this fantastic murder mystery musical.  They dance!  They sing!  They BOTH PLAY THE PIANO! 

Alan Scmuckler plays a detective called upon a crime scene where Joe Kinosian plays ALL NINE other characters.  For reals.  It's supah impressive.  Their chemistry is palpable and their talent undeniable; it's a wonderful delight for all.

If you don't like to have a good time, then this isn't the thing for you.  But if you're a normal person with a heartbeat -- just go see the damn thing already! 

image: Liz Lauren

You know who IS just as cute?

DEAR GOD, when did Neville become such a hottie???

Oh, how I love thee.

Colin Firth could be giving Jon Hamm a run for his money.  Bold statement, I know.  I've been a major fan since Bridget Jones or Love Actually, but this recent run through the awards season has solidified it.  He is just so charming and polite and British: I love him.

Like I said earlier, his work in The King's Speech is Oscar-worthy and I know we'll all be watching his speech on February 27th, but I've been eating up all of his speeches along the way.  He is self-deprecating only so much to be funny and not uncomfortable, and he ALWAYS manages to say the sweetest things about his wife.  He is respectful and talented.  I'm sold.  (Do you see a pattern here?)

He's on Inside the Actor's Studio tonight and I've had it ready to tape on my DVR for quite some time; I told you I was obsessed.

But I also spent a lot of time watching the Newsweek Oscar Roundtable recently.  Uhhhh, how have I missed this EVERY year past?!?  I am nauseated by my lack of knowledge of this certain tradition, but now that I've found it I will never let go.  If you have as much time time to kill as I do, please watch Colin and Annette Benning, Nicole Kidman, James Franco, Natalie Portman, and Michelle Williams all sit around a table and talk stuff.  This is the shit I live for!  Colin BY FAR takes the cake as the one you want to spend your time with and all others pale in comparison.

(Also: If you ever want to have endlessly long conversations about celebrities and acting and the politics of award shoes... I'm your gal!!)  

photo via pinterest

Will you marry me?

I've done the girl crush thing a couple of times here, but I thought it was time I told you were my true love lies. Who doesn't love Jon Hamm? Not only is he gorgeous; I mean seriously, it doesn't ever get better looking than that! The epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. Not only is he a living Adonis, but he is also incredibly talented. Do you guys watch Mad Men? The show would not be the same without Jon Hamm leading the helm. At least I don't think so. Sure, there is talent running rampant on that set, but Jon [I'm gonna go first name-style like we're friends] amazes me all the time. His work is subtle yet clearly defined. And he seems like an uncompromising gentleman in real life with his long-term girlfriend, Jennifer Westfeldt. Lest we forget, he was adorable and funny on SNL and the Emmys a couple nights ago. Booty dancing with Betty White? Yes, please. Did you catch that he was whistling to make the noise a truck makes while backing up? I love it. All of this to say that I am undeniably in adoration of Jon Hamm. It's a problem. Now let's hope he doesn't stick a restraining order on me.

All photos: Jeff Lipsky for Parade Magazine, obviously.